What should I look for in a vespa for safety?

Question

What should I look for in a vespa for safety?

Answer 1

Old Vespas are dangerous because the lights are very dim and some don't even have turn signals.  Modern Vespas are about as safe as you can get on two wheels as long as you keep it in good mechanical condition and wear proper clothing and a helmet.

Answer 2

They don't have much optional safety equipment. Helmet and leather. Don't text and ride.

Answer 3

Basically the same thing for any bike. Ensure the brakes and lights are in good condition and the bike is mechanically sound. Also check the horn.

Make sure you wear proper safety equipment too. A good helmet will save your life, but the proper jacket and trousers will save your skin (literally - imagine what sort of skin grafts you would need if you came off it doing just 30 mph onto rough tarmac). I would make sure the jacket and helmets have guards to protect your bones and the jacket is brightly coloured and have reflective piping.

Also always wear motorcycle gloves as your hands are the first thing you will put down if you take a tumble.

Also, get some lessons and make sure you are advised of any mistakes you may make and learn how to drive in traffic.

Sorry, if this list is a bit long as i am sure you will not be driving fast, but I remember coming off my bike at low speeds because of a wet man hole cover. I was wearing my jacket, gloves and helmet but not my motorbike trousers and I ended up with two badly bruised knees. After that I always wear the full gear. I see people whizzing past on mopeds wearing T-shirts and jeans and I would hate to think what would happen if they took a tumble. Its better to be safe then sorry.